By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Gov. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has presented a ₦396.58 billion budget estimate for the 2025 fiscal year to the state house of assembly for approval.
Titled “Budget of Economic and Social Development,” the proposal prioritizes education and health sectors, which received the highest allocations.
The education sector is set to receive ₦70.143 billion, a significant increase from ₦59.566 billion in the 2024 budget. Similarly, the health sector’s allocation rose to ₦39.012 billion for 2025, up from ₦18.487 billion in 2024.
Speaking at the presentation, Governor Nwifuru emphasized the budget’s focus on industrialization, economic growth, and improving the standard of living for Ebonyi residents.
The economic sector received the largest allocation of ₦200.132 billion, representing 50.46% of the total budget, followed by the social sector with ₦141.180 billion (35.60%).
The governor outlined the budget’s funding sources, including a capital development fund of ₦181 billion, statutory allocation of ₦133.39 billion, and internally generated revenue of ₦28.499 billion.
Addressing the assembly, Nwifuru stated, “Meeting the needs of the people remains challenging due to the multiplicity of demands, but we are committed to fulfilling the People’s Charter of Needs.”
He called for cooperation and understanding from Ebonyi residents to achieve the outlined goals.
Speaker Moses Odunwa, who received the budget proposal, assured the governor of its speedy passage. The budget has already undergone its second reading at the assembly floor.